It’s time to snap out of hibernation, Montreal. March arrives this weekend, which means spring is practically at the doorstep.
As the city shakes off winter’s chill, Montreal is packed with fun waiting to be had, especially during March break. The best part? There’s plenty to do without touching your wallet.
From outdoor adventures to unique cultural happenings, here are eight free activities to jump into over the next month.
Skate under the stars at L’Esplanade Tranquille
Price: Free if you own skates
When: Open every day in March
Address: 442, rue Clark, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Pop over to Esplanade Tranquille in the Quartier des Spectacles and skate under a sky full of twinkling city lights. This outdoor rink is pure magic at night, with cool projections and a refrigerated ice surface.
Don’t have skates? No biggie. They’ve got rentals ready to go right on-site.
Esplanade Tranquille website
Urban sliding at Glissades Gamelin
Price: Free
When: Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until March 9 (Extended hours for spring break)
Address: 1500 Rue Berri, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Speaking of activities at Quartier des Spectacles… Not far from the skating rink, you can find a winter slide park open to everyone. All six refrigerated hills at Glissades Gamelin are free to use.
Open until March 9, it has three slopes for all levels, allowing experts, beginners, and kids to join the fun. Sleds, snow scooters, and other pieces of equipment are available to borrow for free (helmets are included, but supplies are limited).
Glissades Gamelin website
Downtown’s enchanting lights trail
Price: Free
When: Until March 10
Address: Multiple locations across the downtown area
Why You Need To Go: Take a night to wander “Welcome to Wonder,” a free downtown Montreal trail glowing with 800,000 lights and nine quirky installations. From moose in Dorchester Square to Victoria Square’s light tunnel, these pretty fixtures will remain up through March 10.
Montreal Centre-Ville website
Montréal en Lumière
Price: Free entry
When: Until March 9
Address: 400 Blvd. De Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Speaking of Montreal lights, Montréal en Lumière is one of the world’s biggest winter festivals, brightening up the Quartier des Spectacles with art, music, and interactive exhibits.
Nuit Blanche, the festival’s main event, takes place on March 1, offering a full 24 hours of free activities. Plus, the metro runs all night, so you can keep exploring until sunrise.
Montréal en Lumière Website
Snowshoeing in the city
Price: Free
When: All winter long
Address: 3400 Boul. Trinitaires, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: With free snowshoe loans, you can go for a walk in nature at Angrignon Park in LaSalle. While the large green space is steps away from Angrignon metro, you might forget you’re in the middle of the city thanks to the scenery.
There are even guided walks available, provided you book your activity.
Angrignon Park website
Hit up a museum
Price: Free
When: All month long
Why You Need To Go: While many galleries across the city have free entry on Sundays, the following seven Montreal museums are offering free visitation periods throughout the entire month:
- McCord Stewart Museum
- Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art
- PHI Foundation
- Canadian Centre for Architecture
- Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
- UQAM Design Center
- Bank of Montreal Museum
Montreal museums website
Festival Art Souterrain
Price: Free
When: March 15 to April 6
Address: 200 boul. René-Lévesque O, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Festival Art Souterrain is an annual event that transforms Montreal’s underground city into a contemporary art gallery. From March 15 to April 6, you can explore a variety of art installations and exhibits spread across six venues, all for free.
Festival Art Souterrain Website
Casino dance parties
Price: Free entry, drinks for sale on site
When: Wednesdays from 7 p.m., Thursdays from 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 5 p.m.
Address: Casino de Montréal – 1, av. du Casino, Montréal, QC
Why You Need To Go: From Wednesday to Saturday, the Velvet bar at the Casino de Montréal hosts free live music. The lineup includes live bands, DJs, and VJs playing Latin, 1980s and 1990s music, as well as party mixes.
It’s a great spot for anyone looking to let loose and bust a move.
Loto-Québec website
